Suriname’s Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva has led a diplomatic delegation to the 10th International Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), held during the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The high-level gathering focused on enhancing collaborative frameworks between Caribbean nations and the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).
During the conference’s opening sessions dedicated to regional projects for 2026–2030, Minister Bouva strategically positioned Suriname as both a key partner and beneficiary of initiatives across three critical sectors: tourism development, coastal and river transportation systems, and sargassum seaweed management. The minister articulated how tourism diversification could stimulate economic transformation, emphasized Suriname’s geographic advantages for improved transport connectivity, and highlighted the necessity of scientific capabilities and coastal protection measures for sustainable development.
On the second day, Bouva contributed to dialogues addressing urgent priorities for the Greater Caribbean region. He advocated for a collective approach to regional challenges, proposing that nations should move beyond raw material exports and instead leverage their natural resources, strategic locations, and cultural heritage as foundational elements for sustainable economic growth.
Suriname’s participation underscored its commitment to economic strengthening through regional integration and international partnerships. The delegation noted that Suriname had hosted a previous edition of this conference in 2024, reinforcing its ongoing dedication to regional cooperation mechanisms.